Hospice

Hospice Services

Compassion, Comfort and Care for You and Your Loved Ones

There is perhaps nothing more challenging or rewarding than caring for a loved one with a life-limiting illness. At Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, we understand this perfectly and provide help to patients and their caregivers through St. Joseph Mercy Hospice.

Different from traditional medical care, hospice focuses on comfort and quality of life. Through specialized services, we help patients and their families manage physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs. Patients live their final days with peace and dignity in the comfort of their own home or care facility. We work with family and friends to help them cope with end of life transition and stress of the approaching loss. Patients are encouraged to remain as active as possible and stay in close contact with family and friends.

Physicians
We work closely with the patient's personal physicians to coordinate care. Our hospice physicians also manage crises and make home visits, if needed.

Certified Home Health Aides
Our certified home health aides are available to assist the patient with personal care.

Social Work
Medical social workers interact closely with patients and family members to help them cope with the patients’ illness. They may also recommend counselors and other community resources, if needed.

Spiritual Care
Recognizing the importance of spirituality, we arrange visits with ministers, priests or rabbis, as needed. Our Spiritual care coordinator also meets with patients, often facilitating growth and awareness, which can come at the end of life.

Bereavement Services
We counsel family and friends throughout the dying process, and provide support to them after a loss through grief recovery, community outreach programs and mailings.

Volunteers
Specially-trained hospice volunteers often provide respite, companionship and support to patients and families. They may also assist with household chores, errands and other appropriate tasks.

Caregivers Understand Your Needs

St. Joseph Mercy Hospice caregivers are part of an interdisciplinary team of medical professionals, many of whom live in this community. These experts have years of experience in hospice care and will help patients and families meet the challenges that may lie ahead. Our entire staff is sensitive to the individual needs of patients and families, and respects the patient’s right to make decisions about his or her own care.

Hospice is Available to All

Most insurance programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover hospice services which include medications, supplies and medical equipment.